Australia's Political System

Australia is a federation made up of six states and two territories, all governed under a single Constitution. The federal government creates and enforces national laws, while state and territory governments focus on local issues specific to their regions. Here’s how the system works and why it’s important to understand.

Federal Government

‍Australia’s political system is a parliamentary democracy. The federal parliament is responsible for making national laws on issues like trade, taxation, and immigration.

It has two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. For a proposed law (or bill) to become legislation, it must be approved by both houses.

House of representatives

The House of Representatives, also known as the lower house, currently has 151 members (although it will have 150 members after the next election). Each member represents an electorate, and the number of electorates in a state is proportional to its population. General elections are held every three years, giving voters the chance to elect representatives for their local areas.

The party (or coalition of parties) with at least 76 members in the House of Representatives forms the government. Most bills are introduced and debated in this house before moving to the Senate for further review.

How the House of Representatives seats are divided across states:‍

‍

The Senate

The Senate, or upper house, represents the states and territories equally, with 76 senators in total. Each state elects 12 senators, while the two territories elect two senators each, regardless of population size. State senators serve six-year terms, while territory senators serve the same term as House members (three years).

The Senate reviews and votes on all legislation passed by the House of Representatives. This ensures that laws are carefully examined and provides a check on the lower house before they are finalised.

‍

‍

‍

State and territory governments

Each of Australia’s six states and two territories has its own government. Most states have a parliamentary structure similar to the federal government, with both an upper and lower house responsible for passing laws. However, Queensland and the two territories operate with only a single house.

State and territory governments handle areas not covered by federal law, such as:

• Public health
• Education
• Transport infrastructure

Their laws are tailored to meet the specific needs of their regions, complementing the work of the federal government.

Local governments

Local governments, often called councils, are responsible for community-level services and infrastructure. These include waste management, local roads, parks, libraries, and urban planning.

Councils are funded through rates, grants, and other charges, and they play a critical role in delivering services that directly impact daily life.

How Does Each Level of Government Impact Your Daily Life?

Each level of government has distinct responsibilities that influence your everyday experiences. Federal government decisions shape national policies, like healthcare funding and immigration rules. State governments oversee schools, hospitals, and transportation systems. Local councils manage essential services such as rubbish collection, local road maintenance, and recreational facilities. Together, these layers of government ensure the smooth functioning of society.

Why Understanding the System Matters

Australia’s political system is designed to balance representation and accountability across its different levels of government. Knowing how it works empowers you to make informed decisions when voting and helps you understand who is responsible for the issues that matter to you, from local roads to national climate policy.

Want to learn more about how you can make your vote count in the next federal election? Explore our guide to Preferential Voting.